Red Cross releases new app

TAMPA BAY, Florida -- Social media is no longer considered the technology of the future, but is the technology of today.

You probably use apps to play games and music, but in the case of emergencies, apps are becoming a necessity.

Janet McGuire with the Red Cross said the new Red Cross app is a huge success. "We are now tied with 4th place on getting information from what is going on around us with television, radio, and online news," she said.

"It's so exciting," McGuire added. "I get goose bumps every time I see it because this is such a new technology that people are really relying on and its instantaneous."

With the ever changing technology, emergency responders are also adjusting.

"It's difficult, but we do have resources all around the country that are monitoring the social media to see if there are any areas that we need to pay attention to, that if there is something going on, that we need to get our responders out to," said McGuire.

The app provides emergency information and preparedness tips, including shelter locations. For more information on The Red Cross app and downloading instructions go to: http://www.redcross.org/